Review: The Call of Living Water

Review: The Call of Living Water - Refuge #1

The Call of Living Water book cover on blue background

Be still, my missions-loving heart! This is hands-down, one of the best fictional books I've read on this theme, and I cannot gush enough about it. The Call of Living Water by Alexis M. Melvin is a new book that will be released on August 23, 2025 and if I had to suggest a Christian fiction title that could make a difference in your walk with God this summer, it would be this one.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: tribal sacrifices, martyrdom

Book Synopsis

When the God of Living Water calls, will Suái be willing to risk her life and the lives of everyone she loves to answer?

Deep in the jungle of Paraguay, Suái’s tribe worships indifferent gods who withhold the life-giving rain unless their worshippers make costly sacrifices. However, when a missionary arrives speaking of the loving God of Living Water, Suái’s curiosity leads her down a dangerous path. Thrust into a new life with people who should consider her an enemy, Suái discovers the love and redemption of Jesus. Fifteen years later, she realizes the gift of salvation is worth sharing – even though it may cost her everything.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book is Christian fiction at its finest. It's a reminder of what is truly important as disciples of Jesus Christ, and it's a call for a complete surrender in making Him known. As a former missionary, this story not only stirs my soul, but it confirms why the Great Commission matters so much while I still have the opportunity to carry out my part in it. If I were still involved in missionary training today, I would encourage those getting ready for the field to read this book to better understand what it means to count the cost as they share the Gospel with the unreached. It's missionary fiction that touches the heart and the mind, catapulting it to the top of my recommendations list.

On an emotional level, I’m left feeling bereft after getting to walk with Suái and Kenan, only to have to bid them farewell. The characters feel so real and engaging that it's bittersweet to see their adventure end on the page. This is exactly the type of testimony I would love to hear about in church or played out on a screen, so I have to commend the author for writing such a powerful debut. There aren’t enough words to express just how much I love this book that has challenged me to move from a state of spiritual complacency and to consider what else I can do for God’s Kingdom. Readers who desire to see John 12:24-26 in action where a single seed dies to produce many more seeds should not miss The Call of Living Water, which is wholeheartedly a stunning Christian novel.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

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